Sivota sits on one of the most dramatic stretches of the Greek Ionian coast. While the village itself has a charming waterfront and a handful of small beaches within walking distance, the real treasures lie beyond the reach of any road. The only way to see them is by boat. Here are seven beaches near Sivota that reward those willing to venture out on the water.
1. Bella Vraka — The Iconic Sandbar
Bella Vraka is probably the most photographed spot in Sivota, and for good reason. A narrow strip of white sand connects the mainland to a small island, creating a natural walkway through shallow turquoise water. During low tide, you can walk across it. During high tide, it disappears beneath the surface, making the island feel genuinely remote.
Technically, you can reach Bella Vraka on foot from Mikri Ammos beach, but the walk is rocky and inconvenient. Arriving by boat lets you anchor just offshore and swim straight to the sandbar without the hassle. It is the most popular stop on any Sivota boat cruise, so arrive early in the morning or late in the afternoon to enjoy it without the midday crowds.
2. Pisina — The Natural Swimming Pool
Pisina means “swimming pool” in Greek, and the name is perfectly earned. This narrow inlet between two rocky cliffs creates a sheltered channel of impossibly clear water. The depth ranges from shallow near the rocks to several meters in the center, making it ideal for both wading and diving.
There is no beach here in the traditional sense — swimmers enter directly from the rocks or jump from their boat. The dramatic rock formations on either side give Pisina an almost prehistoric atmosphere. It is located between Sivota and Perdika, and reaching it requires a boat. Most visitors combine Pisina with a stop at Mega Drafi, which is just a short ride away.
3. Mega Drafi — White Pebbles and Deep Blue Water
Mega Drafi is a long, crescent-shaped pebble beach backed by dense green hills. The water here transitions from pale turquoise near the shore to deep sapphire blue further out, creating one of the most striking color contrasts you will find anywhere in the Ionian.
While there is a rough path leading to Mega Drafi from land, most visitors come by boat. The bay is wide enough that even on busy summer days, you can find space to anchor and enjoy relative peace. Bring snorkeling gear — the rocky edges of the bay are full of marine life.
4. The Blue Lagoon (Alonaki Area)
The Blue Lagoon near Sivota is a collective name for the cluster of shallow, turquoise-water bays between the small islands south of the main harbor. The water here is so clear and so uniformly blue-green that it looks like someone poured paint into the sea.
The Blue Lagoon area is best explored slowly. Anchor in one of the shallow bays between the islets of Agios Nikolaos and Mourtemeno, cut the engine, and let the silence take over. The sandy bottom reflects sunlight upward through the water, creating that luminous glow the area is famous for. This is the kind of place that makes you understand why people fall in love with Greece.
5. Diapori Island Beaches
The small island of Diapori sits just off the coast of Sivota and is entirely uninhabited. Its shoreline is dotted with tiny coves, each with its own character — some with fine pebbles, others with flat rocks perfect for sunbathing. The water around Diapori is exceptionally clean and calm, sheltered by the island’s position.
What makes Diapori special is the feeling of discovery. Because the coves are small and numerous, you can easily find one entirely to yourself, even in July. Circle the island slowly by boat, pick a spot that appeals to you, and drop anchor. No loungers, no bars, no people — just sea and stone and silence.
6. Alati Beach — The Hidden Gem
Alati Beach is less well known than its neighbors, which is precisely its appeal. Located in a narrow bay with steep green hillsides on either side, Alati feels hidden even when you know where to look. The beach itself is a mix of sand and small pebbles, and the water is calm and inviting.
Alati is a strong choice for families or anyone who prefers a quieter setting. The bay is naturally sheltered from wind, the water deepens gradually, and there is enough space on the beach to set up comfortably for a few hours. It pairs well with a visit to Mega Drafi or a stop at the Blue Lagoon, both of which are a short boat ride away.
7. Secret Coves South of Mourtemeno
South of the Mourtemeno islet, the coastline fractures into a series of unnamed coves and rocky inlets that most visitors never see. These spots do not appear on most tourist maps, and they are only accessible by boat — often requiring you to navigate through narrow passages between rocks.
The payoff is worth the effort. Crystalline water, complete solitude, and the kind of raw natural beauty that feels increasingly rare in the Mediterranean. If you are renting a boat in Sivota and want to go beyond the obvious stops, ask your rental operator about these southern coves. They will point you in the right direction.
How to Plan Your Beach-Hopping Route
With a full-day boat rental from Sivota, you can comfortably visit four to five of these beaches in a single trip. A popular route starts at the Blue Lagoon in the morning (before the crowds arrive), continues to Pisina and Mega Drafi for a midday swim, and finishes at Bella Vraka in the late afternoon when the light is golden and the sandbar is at its most photogenic.
If you have never driven a boat before, do not worry. Many of the smaller boats available in Sivota require no license, and rental companies provide a thorough briefing before you set off. You will also receive a map with all the best stops marked.
Ready to discover the beaches that most visitors to mainland Greece never see? Browse available boats at boatinsivota.com and start planning your Sivota beach-hopping adventure for 2026.
